EYELID SURGERY – BLEPHAROPLASTY

We all have two pairs of eyelids, a pair of upper eyelids and a pair of lower eyelids. The skin around the eyes is unique. It is thinner than elsewhere on the body. It moves and stretches a lot as we blink and make facial expressions every day. Some people are genetically predisposed to more prominent bags under the eyes. However, as we age, the skin loses elasticity, the brow moves downwards, the eyeballs recede slightly into the skull and the fat deposits around the eyes may move and become more prominent.

Hereditary factors, skin type, exposure to excessive wind and sunlight, diet, alcohol consumption, smoking, stress, chemicals applied to the skin and even illness and its treatment may help to quicken the aging process and result in you feeling uncomfortable about your appearance. At The Aesthetic Institute in Dublin, Ireland, together with our partner Akademikliniken, we have extensive experience of eyelid surgery and other related procedures.

Reasons for blepharoplasty

There are several indications for performing an eyelid lift, to either the upper or lower eyelids, or sometimes to both. Often patients simply wish to have a healthier and younger appearance, to counter the effects of aging, which manifest as a “tired” appearance even when patients have had plenty of sleep. Women often notice it is more difficult to wear eye make-up. Other patients find that a fold of skin forms above the upper eyelid crease as their skin ages, which interferes with vision. Younger patients can be genetically predisposed to bags under their eyes, causing them to look more tired and older than they are. The aim of the procedure is to give patients a rejuvenated, fresher appearance around the eyes.

Blepharoplasty is often combined with other procedures in order to achieve the optimum result. Brow lifts and facelifts for example may be performed at the same time as an eyelid surgery. As it’s not possible to eliminate every line around the eyes with the eyelid surgery, some patients may also undergo injection treatments or non-surgical skin rejuvenating treatments like chemical peels or laser treatment to get the best results.

The surgery

On the day of your procedure, you will arrive at the hospital fasting. Before the surgery you will meet with your surgeon again and he will mark the surgical site. An eyelid surgery may be performed under general anesthesia or under sedation plus local anesthetic.

For an upper blepharoplasty the surgeon usually removes an oval-shaped piece of skin. In order to deepen and enhance the crease above the eye you usually need to also remove some of the underlying muscle and a little fat.

For a lower blepharoplasty the surgical incision is either on the inside of the lid, which does not result in any visible scar, or just below the lashes. In the first case, it is only possible to remove fat from the fat pads. If the incision is made below the lashes, it is possible to remove and move fat (transposition) and also possible to stretch the skin.

Following the surgery you will be closely monitored while you begin your recovery and the effects of the anesthetic wear off.

After surgery

Normally our blepharoplasty patients can go home the same day. While they recover after their procedure they are taken care of by professionals with extensive experience of this surgical procedure. On discharge you will have been given an appointment for your first post-operative visit to The Aesthetic Institute, but patients are welcome to contact us before that if they have any concerns.

Swelling and bruising is inevitable following the procedure, but it usually goes down after 10 days to two weeks. Normally any stitches are removed within a week at The Aesthetic Institute in Dublin. Until then you should remain calm and well rested. The scars after an eyelid surgery are usually quite subtle and can easily be camouflaged with make-up.

If you have any questions about eyelid lifts which are not addressed here, or if you would like to book a consultation with the Consultant Plastic Surgeon in Dublin to discuss a blepharoplasty, please call 01 491 5738, email info@aestheticinstitute.ie or complete our Enquiry Form.

What does eyelid surgery cost?

The overall cost of a eyelid lift depends on a number of factors including how extensive the surgery will be, and if the procedure is part of a combination procedure. You can read more about the prices for blepharoplasty here, as well as other different procedures and treatments.

If you have any questions about eyelid lifts which are not addressed here, or if you would like to book a consultation with the Consultant Plastic Surgeon to discuss a blepharoplasty, please contact us at The Aesthetic Institute in Dublin, Ireland. You can call 01 491 5738, email info@aestheticinstitute.ie or complete our enquiry form.